Hannah-Beth Jackson Supports Dave Jones
In a significant show of support from California's progressive leadership, former State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson has officially endorsed Dave Jones in his campaign for the 6th State Senate district. Jackson, a nationally recognized champion for women's equality and fair pay, cited Jones' extensive record of legislative achievements and his unwavering commitment to California families. Her endorsement adds to a growing coalition of leaders backing Jones, who previously represented Sacramento in the State Assembly and served eight years in statewide office.
A Champion for Equality Endorses a Proven Progressive
Hannah-Beth Jackson's endorsement carries considerable weight in California politics. During her tenure representing the 19th Senate District from 2012 to 2020, and previously serving three terms in the State Assembly, Jackson established herself as one of the state's most effective advocates for women, working families, and environmental protections. Her landmark legislation, the strongest equal pay law for women in the country, has become a model for over 43 states crafting their own fair pay statutes. The Huffington Post named her one of 11 women "blazing new trails in American politics," and the New York Times recognized her as the "State Senator shifting California's workplace culture."
In announcing her endorsement, Jackson highlighted Jones' transformative work on health care access, gender equity, and consumer protections. "Dave Jones has an incredible track record of making a difference for California families," Jackson stated. She pointed to his authorship of legislation that prohibited insurance companies from discriminating against women in health insurance pricing, his creation of the nation's first regulation protecting transgender persons against discrimination in health insurance, and his successful fight against federal proposals that would have denied women access to comprehensive reproductive health care services. Jackson also credited Jones with implementing sweeping reforms that helped millions of Californians obtain health insurance for the first time.
"I know that Dave will continue to do great work in the State Senate, and I'm proud to endorse his campaign." — Hannah-Beth Jackson
Dave Jones: A Career of Fighting for the Vulnerable
Dave Jones' path to public service began not in the halls of power, but in the trenches of legal aid. As a legal aid attorney with Legal Services of Northern California, he provided free legal assistance to low-income residents, gaining firsthand understanding of the challenges facing struggling families. This early experience shaped his lifelong commitment to economic and social justice. In 1995, his dedication earned him a prestigious White House Fellowship, one of only 13 Americans selected that year. He went on to serve for three years as Special Assistant and Counsel to United States Attorney General Janet Reno, where he worked on critical national issues including consumer protection and civil rights enforcement.
Returning to Sacramento, Jones served on the City Council from 1999 to 2004, where he authored groundbreaking laws requiring developers to build more affordable housing, mandating living wages for workers, and recognizing domestic partnerships. His tenure in the State Assembly from 2004 to 2010 was marked by leadership roles as Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, the Assembly Judiciary Committee, and the Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. During this period, Jones authored 70 bills that were signed into law, addressing issues from health care reform to consumer privacy and environmental protection.
A Record of Health Care Leadership
Jones' work on health care has been particularly consequential for California. As Assembly Health Committee Chair, he played a central role in shaping the state's health policy landscape, including efforts to expand coverage and improve quality. His authorship of the law prohibiting gender-based pricing discrimination in health insurance was a landmark achievement, ensuring that women could not be charged more than men for identical coverage. He also championed the nation's first regulation protecting transgender individuals from discrimination in health insurance, a pioneering step toward health equity for all Californians.
Beyond these specific measures, Jones fought to defend reproductive health care access at both state and federal levels. He actively opposed Trump-era proposals that threatened to restrict women's access to a full range of reproductive health services, working to safeguard California's progressive policies. His efforts contributed to the state's dramatic reduction in the uninsured rate, as millions of Californians gained health coverage through expanded programs and market reforms.
Building a Broad Coalition of Support
Jackson's endorsement is the latest in a series of high-profile backings for Jones' Senate bid. He has earned support from a diverse array of leaders across California, reflecting his broad appeal and proven effectiveness. For example, Assemblymember Kevin McCarty has endorsed Dave Jones, citing his deep roots in the Sacramento community and his track record of delivering results. Similarly, Congressmember Ted Lieu has endorsed Dave Jones, praising his commitment to civil rights and consumer protections. These endorsements, along with those from other prominent figures like Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez and Congresswoman Katie Porter, demonstrate a growing consensus that Jones is the right choice for the 6th Senate District.
The breadth of support also includes environmental leaders such as Fran Pavley, a pioneer in climate legislation, and statewide officials like Fiona Ma, who has recognized Jones' fiscal responsibility and commitment to working families. This coalition underscores Jones' ability to build bridges across issue areas and constituencies, a critical skill for effective governance in the State Senate.
What This Endorsement Means for the 6th District
The 6th State Senate district encompasses much of Sacramento, a region Jones knows intimately from his years of service on the City Council and in the Assembly. His deep understanding of the district's needs—from affordable housing and transportation to health care access and economic opportunity—positions him to be an immediate and effective advocate. Jackson's endorsement signals to voters that Jones is not only experienced but also aligned with the values of equity, justice, and progressive change that define California's leadership.
For voters in the 6th District, this endorsement provides a clear signal: Dave Jones is a proven fighter who has delivered tangible results for California families. His record of authoring 70 signed bills, his leadership on health care and consumer protections, and his unwavering commitment to the most vulnerable make him a standout candidate. With Hannah-Beth Jackson's backing, Jones' campaign gains additional momentum and credibility among progressive voters who prioritize women's rights, health care access, and economic fairness.
Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision for California
As the campaign progresses, endorsements like Jackson's will continue to shape the narrative. Jones' ability to attract support from leaders across the state reflects his reputation as a collaborative and effective legislator. His vision for the State Senate builds on his past achievements: expanding health care access, protecting consumers, advancing environmental sustainability, and promoting social justice. With the backing of champions like Hannah-Beth Jackson, Jones is well-positioned to continue this work and to bring meaningful change to the 6th District and all of California.
For those who value proven leadership and a commitment to progressive values, Dave Jones represents the best of California politics. His partnership with leaders like Jackson ensures that the fight for equality, health care, and economic opportunity will remain at the forefront of the state's agenda. As Jackson's endorsement makes clear, Dave Jones is ready to deliver for California families once again.